As part of our coverage leading up to the 2016 NBA Draft we will provide profiles of more than 50 prospects, including video interviews with each player, what they're saying leading up to draft day.
Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame
6'1" | 201 lbs. | 21 years old
2015-16 stats:
15.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.2 steals, 35.9 minutes
Drafted:
No. 45 pick (second round) by the Boston Celtics.
NBA
Quotable:
"I think when you can play, you can play. It's really about what's inside. But yeah, as a shorter guy I think (NBA teams) just want to make sure you can play because the league is taller guards and bigger size. So they just want to make sure you can finish around the rim, create, and just be able to play on the court with bigger players."
Rotoworld mock draft selection:
17. Memphis Grizzlies: Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame – Mike Conley has been with the Grizzlies since the start of his career, but he’s a free agent now, and could command more than Memphis wants to pay going forward. With that possibility, they should take a long look at Jackson, who impressed on both ends of the floor during his three seasons with the Irish. Even if Conley is convinced to come back, Jackson will immediately provide better depth at the position than Memphis has had.
Fit for the Bulls:
The Bulls haven't selected a point guard since Marquis Teague in 2012, but the time is coming for them to address the position. That player could be Jackson, an undersized guard capable of playing both spots in the backcourt. Jackson could play off the ball in lineups with Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler while manning the point on the second unit. Also, with Derrick Rose set to become a free agent next offseason he could be a replacement at the position. He has plenty of upside as a former McDonald's All-American, and he showed considerable improvement each of his three years with the Irish.